Major budgetary cuts for sports in 2023-24 financial year

The sports sector has suffered a major budgetary cut for the 2023–24 fiscal year in the allocation proposed by Treasury cabinet secretary Njuguna Ndung'u in Parliament.

On Tuesday, the CS presented a Ksh. 3.68 trillion budget, the largest in the history of the country. Whereas there were things to smile about in other sectors, sports was hit with budgetary cuts of more than half compared to the 2022–23 fiscal year.

Sports will have to do with a budget of 6.4 billion for the next one year, this being a reduction of more than half. During the 2022–23 budget, sports were awarded 15.8 billion, and this year’s budget is a paltry 40.5% of last year’s allocation.

This is likely to further derail the already struggling sector, with doping in athletics and match-fixing in football being two major issues affecting sports. This also comes at a time when Kenya is plotting a joint bid with Uganda and Tanzania for the 2027 AFCON hosting rights.

"Mr. Speaker, the government has prioritized expanding the space for creativity, including freedom of expression and protection of intellectual property rights. We will also strengthen the mainstreaming of arts and culture infrastructure and support cultural production and the creative economy. We are also cognizant of the brand value of Kenyans participating and excelling in international sports arenas, which is of ultimate importance," said the CS while reading the budget estimates.

"To support tourism, sports, culture, and recreation, I propose to the National Assembly to effect budget allocations of Ksh 12.5 billion. This includes an allocation of Ksh 6.4 billion under the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund; Ksh 4.1 billion for the Tourism Fund; and Ksh 2.0 billion for the Tourism Promotion Fund".

The Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund enables the government to support national teams that compete in international events.

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